Vietnamese Play Steel Land Debuted at BRICS Festival
The theatrical production shared the story of a Vietnamese mother who sacrificed her family during the country's resistance wars.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Cultural
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The Vietnamese art troupe presented their play, Steel Land, at the BRICS Theatre Festival in India. The work recounts the life of Mother Nguyen Thi Ranh, who lost eight children and two grandchildren in resistance wars.
Why it matters
The performance provided international audiences with insight into the history and culture of Vietnam. It served as a vehicle for cross-cultural dialogue between BRICS member nations and partner countries.
The festival featured 11 total theatrical works from nine participating nations. The production focused on the sacrifices of individuals in the Cu Chi region during war.
The players
Nguyen Thi Ranh
She was a Vietnamese mother known for losing eight children and two grandchildren during the country's resistance wars.
The details
The production utilized a combination of acting, traditional melodies, and lighting to depict the courage of soldiers and residents from the Cu Chi region. It honors the legacy of Nguyen Thi Ranh, whose immense personal loss became a symbol of national resilience.
Timeline
The BRICS Theatre Festival was held in India from October 12 to 14, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This production highlights the use of international arts festivals as a tool for diplomatic soft power. The performance follows a pattern set by the 2026 BRICS chairmanship activities, which aim to foster deeper cultural connections between member states and their global partners.
The festival served as a platform for international audiences to access specialized Vietnamese theatrical storytelling. Viewers at the festival were able to engage directly with performances that highlight the cultural history of the Cu Chi region.
The takeaway
Artistic storytelling remains an essential method for bridging cultural gaps between diverse nations. This production exemplifies how historical narratives can be preserved and shared on the global stage.
Further reading
Learn more about global traditions in our Cultural section.
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